RU2768428C2 - Amusement park attraction tunnel - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: vehicles.

SUBSTANCE: attraction system includes a tunnel, an attraction path of a vehicle in the tunnel, an entrance located at the first end of the tunnel, a second end of the tunnel, one or more tunnel walls, and a projection system for projecting images onto said one or more tunnel walls. Tunnel is bent so that the second end of the tunnel is invisible in an intermediate position between the first end of the tunnel and the second end of the tunnel.

EFFECT: amusement park attraction tunnel is proposed.

43 cl, 21 dwg

Description

State of the art

The present invention relates generally to amusement park rides and in particular to systems and methods for creating the illusion of speed.

Most amusement park attractions include an amusement vehicle that transports passengers along an amusement path, such as a walkway. Throughout an attraction, an attraction path may include a number of elements, including tunnels, turns, ascents, descents, loops, and so on. Although a typical amusement park attraction that includes a combination of these and other elements may only last more than minutes, the amount of space required to create such an attraction and the costs associated with it are significant. Thus, as is now understood, it is desirable to reduce the location area of the attraction system without compromising the quality of the passenger experience.

Brief description of the invention

Some embodiments that fall within the scope of the original claimed subject matter are given below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather, these embodiments are only intended to provide a brief overview of the possible forms of the subject matter. Indeed, the subject matter of the invention may take many forms, which may be similar to or different from the embodiments below.

In the first embodiment, the amusement system includes a tunnel, an amusement path of a vehicle in the tunnel, an entrance located at the first end of the tunnel, a second end of the tunnel, one or more tunnel walls, and a projection system for projecting images onto said one or more tunnel walls. . The tunnel is bent in such a way that the second end of the tunnel is invisible at an intermediate position between the first end of the tunnel and the second end of the tunnel.

In the second embodiment, the amusement park attraction includes an installed element transport mechanism, a tunnel, and an amusement track located inside the tunnel. The tunnel has an entrance at the first end of the tunnel, the second end of the tunnel, and at least one wall. The attraction path is located inside the tunnel and is limited by said at least one wall of the tunnel and the mechanism for transporting the installed elements. The mechanism for transporting installed elements moves the installed elements along the length of the attraction path. The tunnel is curved in such a way that the second end of the tunnel is invisible at an intermediate position along the attraction path between the entrance and the second end.

In a third embodiment, the method includes the step of receiving the amusement vehicle through the entrance at the first end of the tunnel and the step of projecting images onto one or more walls of the tunnel or the step of moving installed elements along one or more walls of the tunnel to create an illusion of speed when the amusement vehicle decelerates from the entrance to the intermediate position, and while the amusement vehicle is stationary in the intermediate position. The tunnel has a curved shape so that the second end of the tunnel is invisible from an intermediate position between the entrance and the second end along the attraction track in the tunnel.

According to the first object of the present invention, an amusement system is provided, comprising:

a tunnel having a first end and a second end and curved between the first end and the second end;

an amusement vehicle path extending in the tunnel from the entrance at the first end of the tunnel to an intermediate position in the tunnel, while the second end of the tunnel is not visible from the intermediate position;

an amusement vehicle configured to travel along the path of the amusement vehicle and slow down as the vehicle approaches the intermediate position;

a projection system configured to project moving images onto one or more walls of the tunnel; And

a controller configured to control the projection system to project the moving images in synchronization with the deceleration of the amusement vehicle and that the speed of the moving images relative to one or more tunnel walls be inversely correlated with the deceleration.

Preferably, the projection system is configured to project moving images onto the surface of the tunnel such that the moving images move across the surface at an accelerated rate as the vehicle decelerates towards the intermediate position.

Preferably, the acceleration occurs at a rate approximately opposite to the deceleration rate of the amusement vehicle, so that the perceived speed of the amusement vehicle is constant.

Preferably, the tunnel includes an exit at the second end of the tunnel, wherein the projection system is configured to slow moving images across the surface as the amusement vehicle accelerates from an intermediate position towards the exit of the tunnel.

Preferably, the projection system is configured to slow moving images across the surface at a speed approximately opposite to the acceleration speed of the amusement vehicle such that the perceived speed of the amusement vehicle is constant.

Preferably, the amusement system comprises one or more sensors configured to detect the actual speed of the amusement vehicle, the position of the amusement vehicle, the acceleration rate of the amusement vehicle, or any combination thereof.

Preferably, the attraction system includes a movable base located in an intermediate position.

Preferably, the amusement system comprises an actuator configured to drive the tunnel.

Preferably, the actuator is configured to actuate the second end of the tunnel to simulate a right turn, a left turn, an upward slope, a downward slope, or any combination thereof.

Preferably, the projection system is configured to project moving images along the length of the tunnel to simulate a constant speed as the perceived speed as the actual vehicle speed changes.

Preferably, the projection system is configured to project moving images along the length of the tunnel such that the change in the speed of the moving images is inversely proportional to the change in the actual speed of the moving amusement vehicle.

Preferably, the cross-sectional area of the tunnel decreases conically from the first end to the second end.

According to the second object of the present invention, a method for coordinating the movement of the components of an amusement park is provided, in which:

directing the amusement vehicle from the entrance at the first end of the tunnel to an intermediate position within the tunnel, the intermediate position being between the first end of the tunnel and the second end of the tunnel, the tunnel being bent so that the second end of the tunnel is not visible from the intermediate position;

slowing down the amusement vehicle as it approaches the intermediate position; And

projecting images onto one or more walls of the tunnel using a projector, wherein the images are synchronized with deceleration of the amusement vehicle by the projector controller such that the perceived speed of the amusement vehicle from the point of view of the amusement vehicle exceeds the actual speed of the amusement vehicle.

Preferably, the images are accelerated at a rate approximately opposite to the deceleration rate of the amusement vehicle so that the perceived speed of the amusement vehicle is constant.

Preferably, the amusement vehicle is accelerated from the intermediate position towards the second end of the tunnel; and projecting images onto one or more walls of the tunnel, wherein the images are synchronized with the acceleration of the amusement vehicle such that the perceived speed of the amusement vehicle exceeds the actual speed of the amusement vehicle.

Preferably, the projected images are slowed down at a rate approximately opposite to that of the amusement vehicle, so that the perceived speed of the vehicle is constant.

Preferably, the amusement vehicle is tilted or vibrated by means of a movable base located in an intermediate position.

Preferably, the second end of the tunnel is driven by an actuator to simulate a right turn, a left turn, an upward slope, a downward slope, or any combination thereof.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control system capable of:

guiding the amusement vehicle from the entrance at the first end of the tunnel to an intermediate position within the tunnel, the intermediate position being between the first end of the tunnel and the second end of the tunnel, the tunnel being curved such that the second end of the tunnel is not visible from the intermediate position;

deceleration of the amusement vehicle as it approaches the intermediate position; And

controlling the projection system for projecting images onto one or more walls of the tunnel, wherein the projected images are synchronized with deceleration of the amusement vehicle such that the perceived speed of the amusement vehicle from the amusement vehicle's point of view exceeds the actual speed of the amusement vehicle.

Preferably, the control system is configured to control the amusement vehicle to accelerate from the intermediate position to the exit at the second end of the tunnel; wherein the projection system is configured to project images onto one or more walls of the tunnel, wherein the projected images are synchronized with the acceleration of the amusement vehicle such that the perceived speed of the amusement vehicle exceeds the actual speed of the amusement vehicle.

Preferably, the control system is configured to control the movable base located in an intermediate position, wherein the movable base is configured to tilt or vibrate the amusement vehicle.

Preferably, the control system is configured to control an actuator to drive the second end of the tunnel to simulate a right turn, a left turn, an upslope, a downslope, or any combination thereof.

Preferably, the control system comprises one or more sensors configured to determine the position of the amusement vehicle, the actual speed of the amusement vehicle, the acceleration rate of the amusement vehicle, or any combination thereof.

According to the fourth object of the present invention, an amusement system is provided, comprising:

an amusement vehicle path, the amusement vehicle path portion including a bend;

a carousel mechanism rotatable about a vertical axis and comprising a plurality of objects fixed to the carousel mechanism, the bend extending along at least a portion of the perimeter of the carousel; And

a controller configured to control the first carousel actuator and the second amusement vehicle actuator on the track to coordinate the rotation speed of the carousel and the speed of the amusement vehicle along the bend to allow the ride speed to be perceived by the vehicle rider, which is different from the speed of the amusement vehicle.

Preferably, the amusement system comprises a tunnel enclosing the carousel mechanism and a portion of the amusement vehicle's path.

Preferably, the tunnel includes an opening defining an entrance to the tunnel and an exit from the tunnel.

Preferably, the controller is configured to disproportionately change the speed of rotation and the speed of the amusement vehicle as the amusement vehicle passes a bend.

Preferably, the amusement system comprises a projection system configured to project moving images onto one or more walls of the tunnel.

Preferably, the plurality of objects is rotatable about a vertical axis and along a path that is offset by a vertical distance from the ride vehicle's path.

Preferably, a plurality of objects are located around the perimeter of the carousel.

Preferably, the controller is configured to actuate a second actuator to decrease the speed of the amusement vehicle based on the position of the amusement vehicle with respect to the bend.

Preferably, the amusement system comprises a wind generation system configured to blow air into the amusement vehicle as the amusement vehicle passes a bend.

Preferably, the controller is configured to drive the fan of the wind generation system in accordance with the rotation speed of the carousel and the speed of the amusement vehicle.

According to the fifth object of the present invention, an amusement system is provided, comprising:

an amusement vehicle configured to travel along the path of the amusement vehicle;

a treadmill system comprising a plurality of installed members, the treadmill system being configured to move the plurality of mounted members along a treadmill path, the treadmill path being aligned with and offset by a vertical distance from the amusement vehicle path; And

a tunnel comprising a first end capable of receiving an amusement vehicle using the path of the amusement vehicle, and a second end forming an exit from the tunnel using the path of the amusement vehicle, wherein the tunnel is located approximately in the section of the path of the amusement vehicle and the section of the path of the treadmill tracks.

Preferably, the amusement system includes a controller configured to control the first actuator of the treadmill system and the second drive mechanism of the amusement vehicle to coordinate the speed of the plurality of installed parts along the path of the treadmill and the speed of the amusement vehicle when the amusement vehicle travels through the tunnel.

Preferably, the plurality of mounted elements are fixed relative to the treadmill system.

Preferably, the treadmill system is configured to move the plurality of mounted members between the first end and the second end along the path of the treadmill in a first direction opposite to the second direction in which the amusement vehicle travels between the first end and the second end.

Preferably, rotation of the plurality of installed elements along the path of the treadmill creates the illusion that the amusement vehicle is moving at a speed greater than the actual speed of the amusement vehicle between the first end and the second end of the tunnel.

Preferably, movement of the plurality of mounted members along the path of the treadmill causes the plurality of mounted members to move past, over, or around the amusement vehicle as the amusement vehicle moves through the tunnel.

Preferably, the amusement system comprises a wind generation system configured to blow air onto the amusement vehicle as the amusement vehicle travels through the tunnel.

Preferably, the amusement system comprises a projection system configured to project moving images onto one or more walls of the tunnel.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for coordinating the movement of the components of an amusement park, in which:

controlling, by means of the control circuit, the movement of the amusement vehicle along the path of the amusement vehicle, wherein the portion of the path of the amusement vehicle is surrounded by a tunnel having an extension between the first end and the second end of the tunnel;

slowing down, by means of the control circuit, the amusement vehicle when the amusement vehicle enters the tunnel through the first end of the tunnel while the amusement vehicle is traveling along the path of the amusement vehicle in the first direction;

by means of the control circuit, the treadmill of the treadmill system is rotated along the path of the treadmill when the amusement vehicle enters the first end of the tunnel, the treadmill carries a plurality of installed elements, and the treadmill system is configured to rotate the plurality of installed elements along the path of the treadmill during a second direction opposite to the first direction, between the first end and the second end.

Preferably, rotation of the treadmill causes the plurality of mounted members to move along the path of the treadmill and pass by, over, or around the amusement vehicle as the amusement vehicle travels through the tunnel.

Brief description of the drawings

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood upon reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like symbols designate like parts throughout the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side perspective view of an amusement system according to aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a control system for an amusement system according to aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of a vanishing point tunnel attraction system in a walk-through tunnel configuration in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a flexible tunnel in a straight configuration, with one end of the flexible tunnel configured to be detachable from a track or sensed amusement track after an amusement vehicle enters the tunnel, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a flexible tunnel in which the flexible tunnel is oriented to simulate a right turn, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a flexible tunnel in which the flexible tunnel is oriented to simulate an upward slope, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a flexible tunnel in which the flexible tunnel is oriented to simulate a left turn, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a schematic sectional view of a rigid tunnel system in which at least one end of the rigid tunnel is detachable from the track after an amusement vehicle enters the tunnel, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is a schematic sectional view of a rigid tunnel system capable of simulating an upward slope, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 10 is a schematic sectional view of a rigid tunnel system capable of simulating a downward slope, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a decreasing tunnel in which the decreasing tunnel is oriented to simulate a right turn, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a decreasing tunnel in which the decreasing tunnel is oriented to simulate an ascending path, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a decreasing tunnel in which the decreasing tunnel is oriented to simulate a downward trajectory, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of an amusement vehicle entering an embodiment of a tunnel having a rotating carousel, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 15 is a schematic plan view of an amusement vehicle at an intermediate position within an embodiment of a tunnel having a rotating carousel, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of an amusement vehicle entering an embodiment of a tunnel having transversely moving mounted members, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of mounted members moving towards an amusement vehicle, in a tunnel embodiment having transversely moving mounted members, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of mounted members moving past an amusement vehicle, in an embodiment of a tunnel having transversely moving mounted members, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of an amusement vehicle exiting an embodiment of a tunnel having transversely moving set members as the set members return to their original position, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of multiple amusement vehicles in a tunnel embodiment having installed members that rotate through the tunnel, in accordance with aspects of the present invention; And

Fig. 21 is a flowchart of a method for creating the illusion of speed in a tunnel using an amusement system, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

One or more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In order to provide a brief description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementation may be described in the specification. It should be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or engineering project, multiple implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the specific goals of the developers, for example, constraints associated with a system or an economic activity must be met, and these solutions may vary across implementations. Furthermore, it should be understood that such development efforts can be complex and time consuming, but may nonetheless be common practice in design, processing and manufacturing for those skilled in the art to benefit from from the present invention.

Typical amusement park ride systems (eg, "roller coaster" or "dark ride") include an amusement vehicle that follows an attraction path (eg, a track) through a sequence of features. Such features may include tunnels, turns, ascents, descents, loops, and the like. Although amusement park amusement systems can provide rides that last only more than a minute, since amusement vehicles often move at high speeds, the amusement track location area can be quite large. Accordingly, the costs associated with building an amusement park attraction system and the space required to do so can be significant. Naturally, this issue is more acute for an amusement park, in which many attractions are placed in a limited space.

By using the systems and technologies described herein to create the illusion of speed and/or directional movement for passengers in a slow moving or stationary amusement vehicle, the length of the amusement ride traveled by the amusement vehicle, the location area of the amusement ride, and the cost of creating the amusement ride can be reduced. By reducing the location area of one or more attractions, the amusement park can have a greater number of amusement systems, which may be generically referred to as attractions, and the distance between the attractions that a visitor to the amusement park must walk can be reduced, or the size of the amusement park can be reduced. , which has a given number of attractions.

Fig. 1 shows one embodiment of an amusement system 10. An amusement system 10 may include an amusement vehicle 12 that accommodates one or more passengers 12. In some embodiments, multiple amusement vehicles 12 may be connected together (e.g., via a connection). Amusement vehicle 12 travels along attraction track 16. Attraction track 16 may be any surface on which attraction vehicle 14 travels. In some embodiments, attraction track 16 may be a track. The attraction track 16 may or may not dictate the path traveled by the attraction vehicle 14. That is, in some embodiments, the attraction path 16 may control the movement (e.g., direction, speed, and/or orientation) of the attraction vehicle 14 when it moving forward like a train on a railroad track. In other embodiments, there may be a system to control the path traveled by the attraction vehicle 14. For example, the attraction path 16 may be an open surface that allows passengers 12 to control some aspects of the movement of the attraction vehicle 12 through a control system resident on the attraction vehicle. 12.

The attraction system 10 may also include one or more tunnels 18 through which the attraction vehicle 14 passes. The tunnels 18 may have one or more walls 20. The walls 20 may be rigid or flexible. For example, in some embodiments, the walls may be structural elements, while in other embodiments, the walls may be decorative (eg, a sheet of material held in place by a supporting structure). Walls 20 may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. Tunnels 18 may be features in their own right, or tunnels 18 may be combined with other features. Namely, one or more tunnels 18 may be combined with a turn, up, down, loop, or some combination thereof. At least one of the tunnels 18 may be bent in such a way that from an intermediate position inside the tunnel 18 the end of the tunnel 18 may not be visible.

The attraction system 10 includes a projection system 22 that can project images onto surfaces within the attraction (along the attraction track 16). The projection system 22 may include one or more projectors 24, one or more self-luminous panels 26, or other systems and/or devices for projecting images onto surfaces visible from the amusement vehicle 14. For example, the projection system 22 may be used to project images onto the walls 20 of the tunnel 18. This can be realized by projecting images onto the walls 20 from inside the tunnel 18, by projecting images from outside the tunnel 18 onto transparent or translucent walls, as shown in FIG. 1 so that the images can be viewed by the passenger 12 in the amusement vehicle 14. In other embodiments, the images can be displayed on the walls 20 of the tunnel using self-illuminating panels 26 (e.g., LCD, plasma display, etc.). .). It should be understood, however, that they are merely examples, and that the projection system 22 under consideration may include other methods of displaying images on surfaces as viewed from the amusement vehicle 12. As will be described in more detail below, the projection system 22 may be used to project images onto the walls 20 of the tunnel 18 or other surfaces visible from the amusement vehicle 12 to give the illusion that the amusement vehicle 14 is moving faster than it is actually moving, that the amusement vehicle 14 is moving when it is actually stationary, or to creating the illusion or hiding directional movement.

Fig. 2 is a diagram of a control system 50 for an attraction system 10. The control system 50 may include control circuits 52 that may control input and/or receive input from various components within the attraction system 10. The control circuits may include a processor 54; and a memory component 56. The processor 54 may be used to execute programs, execute instructions, interpret input data, generate control signals, and/or for other similar functions. The memory component 56 may be used to store data, programs, instructions, and so on.

The control circuits 52 may be in communication with the amusement vehicle 14, which may be provided with one or more actuators 58 and/or one or more sensors 60. The actuators 58 on the amusement vehicle 14 may control movement (forward, reverse, turn , braking) of the amusement vehicle 14, or other actuators (eg, actuators for passenger seat belts 12) on the amusement vehicle 14. The actuators 58 may be controlled by a control signal output from the control circuits 52. The sensors 60 may sense one or more parameters indicative of the position, slope, speed, acceleration, etc. of the amusement vehicle 14.

The control circuits 52 may also be in communication with the projection system 22. For example, based on input from sensors 60 on the attraction vehicle 14, the control circuits 52 may output images for projection by each of the projectors 24 or illuminated panels 26, or may direct the projectors 24 or self-luminous panels 26 which images should be projected. In some embodiments, images may be stored in memory component 56 of control circuits 52 . In other embodiments, the projection system 22 or each projector 24 or self-illuminating panel 26 may store images to be projected.

The control circuits 52 may also communicate with various actuators 62 and sensors 64 for the tunnel 18, the ride 16, one or more installed elements, or other components within the ride system 10. The actuators 62 may be distributed within the tunnel 18, the ride 16, one or more mounted elements, or other components (eg, movable base, turntable) within the attraction system, which allows the control circuits 52 to control the movement of these objects. Sensors may be distributed within the same tunnel 18, ride path 16, one or more installed items, or other components within the ride system and configured to send signals to control circuits 52. The signals may indicate position, speed, acceleration, operating conditions (eg temperature, pressure), and the like. Various actuators 58, 62, sensors 60, 64, and projection devices 24, 26 allow the control circuits 52 to coordinate the various components of the ride system 10 to provide the illusion of speed to the passenger 12 in the ride vehicle 14.

Control circuits 52 may also be in communication with sound system 66, which may include one or more sound projection devices 68 (eg, speakers, subwoofers, etc.). Sound system 66 may be used in conjunction with projection system 22 to create the illusion of speed by projecting sounds that may or may not correspond to images projected by projection system 22. Similarly, control circuits 52 may be in communication with wind generation system 72 that may include one or more wind generating devices (eg fans, blowers, etc.). The wind generation system 70 can be used to create an airflow to simulate wind (steady wind, gusts of wind, etc.) to further enhance the illusion of speed.

In some embodiments, the attraction system 10 may include a movable base and/or turntable 74, which may include a number of actuators 76 and sensors 78. The movable base may be used to provide tilt, vibration, rotation, or movement. attraction vehicle 14 in some other way. As will be described in more detail below, these movements can be used to enhance the illusion of speed.

Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of one embodiment of an amusement system 10 with a tunnel 18 walk-through configuration. The amusement vehicle 14 enters the tunnel 18 at a first end 90 and decelerates as the amusement vehicle 14 approaches an intermediate position 92 within the tunnel 18. In some embodiments, the amusement vehicle 14 multiple intermediate positions 92 may exist. As the amusement vehicle 14 advances through the tunnel 18, a number of projectors 24 project images onto the walls 20 such that the passenger 12 can sense that the amusement vehicle 14 is not slowing down. For example, in one embodiment, the images projected onto the walls 20 may accelerate (e.g., provide moving images that appear in accordance with the acceleration of the amusement vehicle 14 relative to the images) at the same rate as the amusement vehicle 14 decelerates, to create the illusion of constant speed. In another embodiment, the images projected onto the walls 20 may accelerate at a rate greater than the rate at which the amusement vehicle 14 decelerates, giving the illusion of acceleration. In yet another embodiment, the images projected onto the walls 20 may not give the illusion of acceleration or constant speed, but instead may disorientate the passenger 12 such that the passenger is unaware that the amusement vehicle is decelerating. The projection system 22 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 includes a number of projectors 24 located outside the tunnel 18. In such an embodiment, the walls 20 may be translucent or transparent so that a passenger 12 in the amusement vehicle 14 can see the images on the walls 20 from inside the tunnel 18. However, understand that such an illusion can be created using a projection system 22 having a number of projectors 24, self-luminous panels 26, or other projection devices located inside the tunnel 18 and/or outside the tunnel 18. Additionally, in some embodiments, the sound system 66 having a number of speakers 68 that can project sound, and/or a wind generating system 70 having a number of fans 72 that can generate wind-like airflow in some cases work in conjunction with the projection system 22 to create the illusion of speed .

In one embodiment, the amusement vehicle 14 stops at an intermediate position 92. As mentioned above, there may be more than one intermediate position 92 within the tunnel 18. The intermediate position 92 may be any location or area within the tunnel at which the passenger 12 in the amusement vehicle 14 is unable to see the first end 90 and/or the second end 94 of tunnel 18 (eg, ends 90 and 94 are outside the visual horizon as viewed from passenger 12's position). When the amusement vehicle 14 stops and remains stationary in the intermediate position 92, the projection system 22 projects images onto the walls 20 of the tunnel 18, which creates the illusion of movement for the passenger 12, despite the fact that the amusement vehicle is not moving, so that the passenger 12 does not feel that the amusement vehicle 14 has stopped. The images projected onto the walls 20 may give the illusion of constant speed, increasing speed, decreasing speed, or a combination of both. For example, although the walls 20 may be a smooth surface, the projection system may project a moving brick, stone, or other textured surface onto the walls 20 to create the illusion of speed. The images may also include fixed features in the hypothetical tunnel, such as loadbearing beams, etc., to further make the illusion of speed more realistic. In some embodiments, the ride 16 and related technology may be covered or otherwise obstructed from the passenger's vantage point 12, and in some cases, the projection system 22 may project images onto them to make the illusion of speed more realistic.

In some embodiments, intermediate position 92 may be on top of a movable base 74 or other movable platform that may be capable of tilting and/or vibrating the amusement vehicle 14 to enhance the illusion of speed. The wind generating system 70 may blow air on the passengers 12 in the amusement vehicle 14 when the amusement vehicle 14 is advancing through the tunnel 18 or standing still in the intermediate position 92. The air blowing on the passengers 12 through the wind generating system 70 can further enhance the illusion of speed by simulating sense of movement through the air at high speeds.

As discussed with respect to FIG. 2, the amusement vehicle 14, the projection system 22, the moving base 74, the wind generation system 70, the sound system 66, and any other components can be controlled by the control system 50. For example, based on input data (eg, the position of the attraction vehicle 14, the speed of the attraction vehicle 14) from sensors 60 on the attraction vehicle 14 and sensors 64 located elsewhere within the system 10, the control system 50 may control the actuators. mechanisms 28 on the amusement vehicle 14, images projected by the projection system 22, actuators 62 on the movable base, actuators 62 within the wind generating system 70, and so on. In other embodiments, the attraction system 10 may not have a control system 52, in which case the attraction system 10 is a "push-play" system that performs the same sequence of repetitive steps, without a feedback loop, every time the operator starts the system 10.

After a period of time during which the amusement vehicle 14 is stationary or moves slowly along the amusement track 16 (for example, without considering the movement of any movable base 74) at or within an intermediate position, the amusement vehicle 14 begins to accelerate from intermediate position 92. At this time, the projection system 22 may project images onto the walls 20 of the tunnel 18 so that the passenger 12 cannot feel that the amusement vehicle 14 is accelerating from a stationary position. For example, the images projected by the projection system 22 may be slowed down (for example, moving images that correspond to the amusement vehicle 14 decelerating from the point of view of the passenger 12 may be provided) at the same speed as the amusement vehicle 14 is accelerating to create a passenger 12 illusions of constant speed. In some embodiments of the amusement system 10, the projection system 22 may accelerate and decelerate the projected images in opposition to the accelerations and decelerations of the amusement vehicle 14 such that the occupant 12 will perceive that the amusement vehicle 14 is moving at a constant speed while it is standing. in the tunnel 18. In other embodiments, the images projected by the projection system 22 may accelerate and decelerate at speeds different from the acceleration or deceleration speed of the amusement vehicle 14 in order to disorientate the passenger. Additionally, the projection system 22 may use flashes of light, darkness, loud noises, and other projected images to disorientate the passenger 12.

As the amusement vehicle 14 accelerates from the intermediate position 92, the amusement vehicle advances towards the second end 94 of the tunnel 18 where the amusement vehicle 14 exits the tunnel 18. After exiting the tunnel 18, the amusement vehicle 14 may advance along the remainder of the amusement ride. , which may include another similar tunnel 18 or any other combination of features.

Fig. 4, 5, 6, and 7 include perspective views of an embodiment of the system 10 in which the second end 94 of the tunnel 18 is configured to be moved to other orientations, which may include detaching from the attraction track 16. As shown in FIG. . 4, the amusement vehicle 14 enters the tunnel 18 through the first end 90. The amusement vehicle 14 slows down as it approaches the intermediate position 92. As with the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the projection system 22 may project images onto the tunnel walls 20 as the amusement vehicle 14 approaches the intermediate position 92 to give the illusion of speed. At some point in time, either before or after the amusement vehicle 14 stops at the intermediate position 92, the second end 94 of the tunnel 18 may detach from the amusement track 16 (FIG. 5) such that the second end 94 is invisible to the passenger 12. In some embodiments, the tunnel may be located on the platform 120 of the tunnel. One or more actuators 62 may be used to control the movement of the tunnel. Additionally, one or more sensors 64 may be located within the tunnel 18 or tunnel platform 120 to monitor its operation.

As with the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, when the amusement vehicle stops or slows down at the intermediate position 92, the projection system 22 may project images onto the tunnel walls 20 to give the illusion of speed. The system 10 may include a movable base 74, a tilting platform, a wind generation system 70, a sound system 66, and the like to enhance the illusion of speed. However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4-7, the attraction system 10 has the ability to simulate turns in any direction, as well as uphills, downhills, and combinations thereof. For example, FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of system 10 in which the second end 94 of tunnel 18 slopes upward to simulate an upward slope. Similar methods can be used to simulate a downward slope. Likewise, FIG. 7 shows that system 10 may be capable of simulating both right and left turns. With the ability to simulate speed through right turns, left turns, upslopes, downslopes, and combinations thereof, the amusement system 10 may be able to give the illusion of speed to the passengers 12 in the amusement vehicle 14 for longer periods of time than a similar system 10. , which simulates a single rotation. A movable platform 74 (eg, a movable base) may provide a simulation of real speed and direction changes by moving in coordination with tunnel configuration changes. For example, in the orientation shown in FIG. 4, the movement of the movable base 74 can simulate the forces associated with movement on a steep slope. Likewise, the movement of the movable base 74 can simulate the forces associated with various types of turns and changes in direction in coordination with the corresponding changes in the orientation of the tunnel 18.

After a period of time during which the amusement vehicle 14 is stationary or moves slowly along the amusement track 16 at the intermediate position 92, the amusement vehicle 14 may begin to accelerate from the intermediate position 92. At some point in time before the amusement vehicle 14 exits the tunnel 18, the second end 94 of the tunnel can orient itself to a position that allows the amusement vehicle 14 to pass (eg, by reconnecting to a position on the amusement track 16). At this time, the projection system 22 may project images onto the walls 20 of the tunnel 18 so that the passenger 12 cannot perceive that the amusement vehicle 14 is accelerating from a stationary or slowed down state. For example, the projection system 22 may accelerate and decelerate the projected images in opposition to the accelerations and decelerations of the amusement vehicle 14 so that the passenger 12 perceives that the amusement vehicle 14 is moving at a constant speed while it is in the tunnel 18. In other embodiments, implementation, the images projected by the projection system 22 may accelerate and decelerate at speeds different from the acceleration or deceleration speed of the amusement vehicle 14 in order to disorientate the passenger. As shown in FIG. 4-7, the projection system 22 may project images onto the attraction track 16 (eg, may project dividing lines) to further enhance the illusion of speed. Additionally, projection system 22 may use flashes of light, darkness, and other projected images to disorientate passenger 12.

As the amusement vehicle 14 accelerates from the intermediate position 92, the amusement vehicle advances towards the second end 94 of the tunnel 18 where the amusement vehicle 14 exits the tunnel 18. After exiting the tunnel 18, the amusement vehicle 14 may advance along the amusement track 16 through the remainder of the attraction, which may include another similar tunnel 18 or any other combination of features.

Fig. 8, 9, and 10 show another embodiment of the attraction system 10 in which the second end 94 of the tunnel 18 is detached from the attraction track 16. As with the embodiment shown in FIG. 4-7, the amusement vehicle 14 enters the tunnel 18 through the first end 90 and slows down as the amusement vehicle 14 approaches the intermediate position 92. The projection system 22 projects images onto the walls 20 of the tunnel 18 to give the illusion of speed as the amusement vehicle approaches. to the intermediate position 92. At some time before or after the amusement vehicle 14 stops or slows down at the intermediate position 92, the second end 94 of the tunnel 18 is disconnected from the amusement track 16. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8-10, the tunnel 18 may be located on a movable base 74. The movable base may include actuators 62 and/or sensors 64 to move the tunnel 18. While the bottom of the tunnel 18 shown in FIG. 4-7 may be flexible, the lower part of the tunnel 18 shown in FIG. 8-10, can be tough. Accordingly, the rigid sections 134, 136 of the tunnel may be connected by a hinge 138 and a flexible joint 140, which is responsible for the gap between the sections 136. For example, the flexible joint may be one or more flexible elements of fabric that close the gap between the sections 134, 136 of the tunnel. In another embodiment, flexible connection 140 may include one or more sets of telescoping panels that move relative to each other as tunnel section 136 tilts up and down. In yet another embodiment, the flexible connection 140 may include a bellows or some other flexible structure to accommodate changes in the gap between sections 134, 136 of the tunnel. In some embodiments, the tilting section 136 of the tunnel may be driven by a movable base 74. In other embodiments, the tunnel may be driven by an actuator 62 (eg, a linear actuator). While the amusement vehicle 14 is stationary, the tunnel can tilt up (FIG. 9) and down (FIG. 10) to simulate the illusion of speed on the ups and downs in the amusement track 16. In some embodiments, the illusion of upward speed and/or down as shown in FIG. 8, 9, and 10 can be used to make the passenger feel that moving down the ride takes longer than moving up, even though the ride may have a net increase in height.

As with the other described embodiments, after a period of time during which the amusement vehicle 14 is stationary or slowed down at an intermediate position within the tunnel 18, the amusement vehicle 14 begins to accelerate from the intermediate position and advances through the tunnel. At some point in time before the amusement vehicle 14 exits the tunnel 18, the second end 94 of the tunnel reconnects with the amusement path 16. As the amusement vehicle 14 advances, the projection system 22 projects images onto the walls 20 of the tunnel 18 to maintain the illusion of speed. The images projected by the projection system 22 may slow down at the same rate as the amusement vehicle 14 is accelerating to give the illusion of a constant speed, or the projected images may appear to accelerate and decelerate at different speeds than the amusement vehicle 14 accelerates and decelerates. to confuse the passenger. The projection system 22 may also use flashes of light, darkness, and other projected images to further create the illusion of speed or disorientation of passenger 12.

Fig. 11, 12, and 13 show an embodiment of the amusement system 10 in which the amusement vehicle 14 enters and exits through the same end 90 of the tunnel 18 rather than traveling through the tunnel 18. In some embodiment, the tunnel 18 may not be a tunnel. in the classical sense (ie, a tunnel having an entrance and an exit through which the amusement vehicle 14 passes), but instead could be a fake tunnel 150 having an entrance but no exit. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11-13, the cross-sectional area of the tunnel 18 decreases from the first end 90 to the second end 94 in accordance with a conical or cornucopia shape. In some embodiments, tunnel 18 may taper to a point at second end 94. In other embodiments, second end 94 of tunnel 18 may be open but smaller than the opening at first end 90 of tunnel 18. Such an embodiment may give the illusion that that tunnel 18 is longer than in reality. In other embodiments, the second end 94 of the tunnel 18 may have the same cross-sectional area as the first end 90. As shown in FIG. 11-13, the direction in which tunnel 18 bends can be used to simulate ups, downs, and bends. As with the embodiments described above, the tunnel 18 may be flexible (eg, fabric over a skeletal support structure) to allow it to bend in various directions, or the tunnel 18 may be rigid and then pivot around the first end 90 to simulate changes in direction.

The amusement vehicle 14 enters the tunnel 18 through the first end 90 and advances to the intermediate position 92. As the amusement vehicle 14 advances towards the intermediate position 92, the projection system 22 projects images onto the walls 20 of the tunnel 18, which creates the illusion of speed. For example, images projected onto walls 20 may give the illusion of constant speed, increasing speed, decreasing speed, or a combination of both.

When the amusement vehicle 14 slows down as it approaches the intermediate position 92, the projection system 22 may project images onto the walls 20 of the tunnel 18 to give the illusion of movement, even though the amusement vehicle 14 may be stationary, slowed down, or stopped at the intermediate position. 92. As discussed above, the intermediate position may be on top of the movable base 74. The intermediate position 92 may also be on top of the turntable 152. more tunnel actuators 62 may move the second end 94 of tunnel 18, changing the curvature and/or direction of tunnel 18 to simulate climbs, descents, turns, or some combination thereof. In such an embodiment, tunnel 18 may be made of a flexible material (eg, flexible fabric stretched over a support structure) to accommodate a fixed first end 90 and a mobile second end 94. In other embodiments, tunnel 18 may be rigid and may be rotatable about a bearing 154 (e.g., a ball bearing or some other rotational interface) located in a bore at the first end 90 of tunnel 18 such that in the first position (FIG. 11) the tunnel simulates a right turn, in the second position (FIG. 12) the tunnel simulates an upward trajectory, in the third position (FIG. 13) the tunnel simulates a downward trajectory, and in the fourth position (not shown) the tunnel simulates a left turn. As discussed above, the images projected by the projection system 22 may give the illusion of a constant speed, or may give the illusion of acceleration rates that vary greatly to disorientate the occupant 12. Additionally, the attraction system 10 may use a moving base 74, a wind generation system 70, a sound system 66, or other systems to further enhance the illusion of speed.

After a certain period of time, the attraction vehicle 14 turns around, accelerates from the intermediate position 92 and exits the tunnel 18 through the first end 90. path 16 may include a 180 degree turn located within tunnel 18 (shown in FIGS. 11-13). The attraction system 10 may use darkness or bright flashes of light from the projection system to disorientate the passenger 12 as the attraction vehicle 14 turns around and exits the tunnel 18 so that the passenger 12 is unaware that the attraction vehicle 14 has turned around or otherwise changed direction. . After exiting the tunnel 18, the attraction vehicle 14 may proceed through the remainder of the attraction, which may include another similar tunnel 18 or any other combination of features.

Fig. 14 and 15 show an embodiment of the attraction system 10 having installed elements mounted on a carousel on the inside of a turn. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 and 15, tunnel 18 may be located around a turn in attraction track 16. Unlike the embodiments described above, tunnel 18 has a wall only on the outside of the turn. However, in some embodiments, tunnel 18 may have walls 20 on both the inside and outside of the turn at the entrance (eg, first end 90) and/or exit (eg, second end 94) of tunnel 18. Carousel 160, which may include one or more actuators 62 and/or sensors 64 controlled by the control system 52, may enhance the illusion of speed by providing surfaces or objects (eg, mounted members 162) that move relative to the amusement vehicle 14. In some embodiments, a number of mounted members 162 or other objects may be attached to the carousel 160. For example, mounted members 162 may include beams, arches, or other objects that move past, over, or around the amusement vehicle 14 when the carousel 160 rotates.

As in the case of the embodiments described above, the amusement vehicle 14 enters the tunnel 18 through the first end 90 and advances to the intermediate position 92. The amusement vehicle 14 slows down as it approaches the intermediate position 92. As the amusement vehicle 14 approaches the intermediate position 90, the attraction system 10 creates the illusion of speed. For example, the images projected by the projection system 22 and the carousel 160 may speed up when the amusement vehicle 14 slows down. The acceleration of the images and carousel 160 can be equal and opposite to the deceleration of the attraction vehicle 14 to create the illusion of constant speed. In other embodiments, the images and carousel 160 may accelerate faster than the amusement vehicle is accelerating to give the illusion of acceleration. Various other combinations are possible. As the amusement vehicle 14 approaches the intermediate position 92, various other systems controlled by the control system 50 (e.g., wind generation system 70, sound system 66, movable base 74, amusement vehicle actuators 58 and sensors 60, actuators 62 and sensors 64 tunnels) can help create the illusion of speed.

The attraction vehicle 14 may then stop at an intermediate position 92 in which the passenger 12's vision of the first end 90 and the second end 94 of the tunnel 18 is obstructed. The attraction vehicle 14 may remain stationary or slowed down in the intermediate position 92 for a period of time. During this period of time, the attraction system 10, controlled by the control system 50, creates an illusion of speed. For example, projection system 22 may project moving images onto walls 20 of tunnel 18 that give the illusion of speed. The carousel 160 may rotate, either at a constant speed or at variable speeds, such that one or more surfaces, objects, or mounted items 162 pass over, past, or around the attraction vehicle 14. As with other embodiments, an intermediate position 92 may be on top of a movable base that tilts or vibrates the amusement vehicle 14. The wind generating system 70 (eg, one or more fans 72) may enhance the illusion of speed by blowing air over the passenger 12. Additionally, the sound system 66 may produce noises which sound like the amusement vehicle 14 is moving.

After a period of time during which the amusement vehicle 14 is stationary or in a slow state, the amusement vehicle 14 may accelerate from the intermediate position 92 and advance through the tunnel 18 to the second end 94 of the tunnel. As the amusement vehicle 14 advances towards the second end of the tunnel, the amusement system 10 continues to give the illusion of speed. This illusion may be created by the projection system 22, the sound system 66, the wind generation system 70, the movable base, or any number of actuators located within the attraction system 10. In some embodiments, the various systems may be controlled by the control system 50, which controls various systems based on input from sensors on the attraction vehicle 60, sensors 64 in the tunnel, or sensors located elsewhere within the system 10. In other embodiments, the system 10 may be a push-to-play system ( "push-play"), in which the operator presses the start button and the attraction system repeats the same sequence of steps in the same way. In some embodiments, for example, the images projected by the projection system 22 and the carousel 160 may slow down as the amusement vehicle 14 accelerates from an intermediate position 92 to give the illusion of a constant speed while the amusement vehicle 14 is in the tunnel 18 In some embodiments, the carousel 160 and images projected by the projection system 22 may stop moving when the amusement vehicle 14 reaches the second end 94 of the tunnel 18. In other embodiments, the projected images and/or the carousel 160 may accelerate and slow down to create the illusion of variable speeds while the ride vehicle is in the tunnel. After exiting the tunnel 18, the amusement vehicle 14 may advance along the amusement track 16 to any number of other features of the amusement system 10, which may or may not include additional tunnels 18.

Fig. 16, 17, 18, and 19 show an embodiment of the attraction system 10 in which one or more mounted members 162 move in a substantially transverse direction 180, as opposed to mounted members 162 mounted on a rotating carousel 160 shown in FIG. 14 and 15. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16-19, upon entry of the amusement vehicle 14 into the tunnel 18, the amusement vehicle 14 may either remain stationary in the intermediate position 92 or move slowly through the tunnel 18 while the multiple mounted members 162 move in a substantially transverse direction 180 to creating the illusion that the amusement vehicle 14 is moving faster than it is actually moving. Although the installed elements shown in FIG. 16-19 are rectangular in shape, it should be understood that this is only to illustrate the movement of the mounted members 162, and that the mounted members may be of any shape or size. Mounted members 162 may be moved using one or more tracks, which may be on the tops, bottoms, or sides of mounted members 162. However, other systems for moving mounted members 162 are possible. As shown in FIG. 19, after the amusement vehicle 14 has passed through one or more of the installed elements 162, the installed elements move backward, opposite the transverse direction, to return to their original position for the next amusement vehicle 14 to enter the tunnel. It should be understood that FIG. 16-19 show one possible feature of the attraction system 10, and that the feature of the transversely moving mounted members 162 can be combined with the other features described herein (e.g., vanishing point tunnel, flexible tunnel, tunnel with entry and exit through a single end, tunnel with carousel).

Fig. 20 shows an embodiment of the attraction system 10 in which the installed members 162 are guided through the tunnel by the treadmill system 200. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, multiple mounted elements 162 are connected to each other by a belt, chain, or other flexible series of connections. Although FIG. 20 shows a mount on the top of each installed element 162, the mount may also be on the bottom, on the side of the installed element 162, or elsewhere.

As with other embodiments, the amusement vehicle enters the tunnel through the first end 90. The amusement vehicle may decelerate towards and stop at the intermediate position, or the amusement vehicle 14 may slowly advance through the tunnel 18. Installed Element System 200 may then begin to move the mounted members 162 to give the illusion that the amusement vehicle 14 is moving faster than it is actually moving. Mounted elements 162 may rotate above ride track 16, under ride track 16, or around the side (for example, may be obscured by wall 20), and back circumferentially in front of ride vehicle 14. Similar mounted members 162 may be driven past, over, or around the amusement vehicle 14 an unlimited number of times, thus ensuring that the illusion of speed created by the mounted elements 162 passing by, over, or around the amusement vehicle 14 continues indefinitely. However, it should be understood that FIG. 20 is simplified to explain the movement of the mounted members 162, and that the mounted member system 200 may operate under the control of the control system 50 and/or in combination with the projection system 22, sound system 66, wind generation system 70, movable base, actuators located within attraction system 10, or with any other systems to enhance the illusion of speed.

After a certain period of time, the amusement vehicle 14 accelerates towards the second end 94 of the tunnel 18. The amount of speed at which the mounted member system 200 moves the mounted members 162 may vary in accordance with the acceleration and deceleration of the amusement vehicle. For example, the mounted member system 200 may be configured to maintain a constant speed of the ride vehicle 14 relative to the mounted members 162 to create the illusion of a constant speed. In some systems, this may be provided by a control system 50 responsive to input from sensors 60 on the amusement vehicle, sensors 64 in tunnel 18, or sensors located elsewhere within system 10 and adjusting the speed of installed elements 162 or ride vehicle speed accordingly. In other embodiments, this result can be achieved without the control system 50. Additionally, the mounted element system 200 may operate in conjunction with other previously described systems (projection system 22, sound system 66, wind generation system 70) to create or enhance the illusion of speed.

Fig. 21 shows a method 220 for creating the illusion of speed using the ride system 10. At step 222, the ride system 10 or tunnel 18 receives the ride vehicle 14. In some embodiments, the ride vehicle 14 may enter the tunnel 18 from the open end on either side of the tunnel 18 .

At step 224, the images are projected and/or the mounted members 162 are moved as the amusement vehicle slows down. The amusement vehicle 14 slows down between the first end 90 of the tunnel 18 where the amusement vehicle 14 has entered the tunnel 18 and an intermediate position 92 within the tunnel 18 from which the second end of the tunnel is invisible. As the amusement vehicle slows down, the projection system 22 projects images onto the walls 20 of the tunnel 18 and/or the mounted element system 200 moves the mounted elements 162 to create the illusion of speed. The projection system 22 may include a number of projectors 24, self-luminous panels 26, or some other means for displaying images on a surface. In some embodiments, projected images or mounted elements 162 may accelerate, or appear to be accelerating, at a rate opposite to the deceleration rate of the amusement vehicle 14 to create the illusion of constant speed. For example, the amusement vehicle 14 may enter a tunnel, slow down, perhaps even stop, accelerate, and then exit the tunnel. At this time, the projection system may project images onto the walls 20 of the tunnel so that the passenger 12 perceives that the amusement vehicle 14 is moving through the tunnel 18 at a constant speed. In other embodiments, the acceleration of the attraction vehicle 14 and the acceleration of the projected images and/or installed items may not match to create the illusion of acceleration or deceleration. For example, the projected images may give the passenger the illusion that the amusement vehicle 14 has traveled a much longer distance while in the tunnel 18 than it has actually traveled.

The images projected onto the walls can simulate moving through a tunnel in a car or train. For example, the projected images may simulate a moving texture (eg, brick, stone, rock, etc.) on a smooth wall surface. The projected images may include features of the tunnel such as doors, windows, load-bearing structures, etc. In other embodiments, the images projected onto the walls 20 of the tunnel 18 may not simulate a tunnel at all. For example, projected images may include the sky, clouds, trees, buildings, bodies of water, wildlife, aircraft, trains, other vehicles, and the like.

In some embodiments, the attraction system 10 may also use other systems (eg, sound system 66, wind generation system 70, lighting system, movable base 74, and carousel 160) to further enhance the illusion of speed. The attraction vehicle 14 may stop at an intermediate position 92 within the tunnel 18. For example, acceleration of the projected images may be accompanied by vibration of the movable base 74, an increase in airflow through the tunnel caused by the wind generation system 70, and sounds generated by the sound system 66 (e.g., magnification sounds). engine speed, gear changes, simulated Doppler effect that matches the projected images, etc.). In some embodiments, the control circuits 52 may receive input from one or more sensors 60 aboard the attraction vehicle 14 and appropriately control the projection system 22, the sound system 66, the wind generation system 70, the attraction path 16, the tunnel 18, the installed elements 162, or other components according to the program or control algorithm to create the illusion of speed. In other embodiments, actuators within the attraction system 10 may be actuated to create a repeatable attraction experience that does not change from cycle to cycle, based on input from sensors.

At step 226, the images are projected and/or the set elements are moved to create the illusion of speed. As discussed above, the projection system 22 may project images onto the walls 20 of the tunnel 18 and/or the mounted elements 162 may move through the tunnel 18 to give the illusion of speed to the passenger 12 in the amusement vehicle 14. Other systems such as the sound system 66, the system 70 wind generation, lighting system, movable base 74, carousel 160, etc., can be used to further enhance the illusion of speed. In some embodiments, the tunnel 18 may be detached from the ride 16 and relocated. After a period of time during which the amusement vehicle 14 is stationary or slowed down at the intermediate position 92, the amusement vehicle 14 begins to accelerate from the intermediate position 92. In some embodiments, the amusement vehicle 14 may accelerate towards the second end 94 of tunnel 18 and advance through tunnel 18. In other embodiments, amusement vehicle 14 may accelerate backward towards the first end 90 of tunnel 18 and exit tunnel 18 at the same end it entered it at. In some embodiments, however, the amusement vehicle 14 may not accelerate out of the tunnel 18. Instead, the amusement vehicle 14 may advance at a constant speed from the intermediate position 92 to the second end 94 of the tunnel.

At 228, the images are projected and/or the set items are moved as the amusement vehicle 14 accelerates from an intermediate position 92. In some embodiments, the projected images or the set items 162 may slow down as the amusement vehicle 14 accelerates, giving the illusion of a constant speed. In other embodiments, the acceleration of the amusement vehicle 14 and the acceleration or deceleration of the projected images or mounted elements 162 may not match to create the illusion of acceleration, deceleration, or to disorientate the occupant 12. In some embodiments, the amusement system 10 may use bright flashes of light or darkness to disorientate the passenger 12 while the amusement vehicle 14 is turning around. Other systems such as sound system 66, wind generation system 70, lighting system, movable base 74, carousel 160, etc., can be used to enhance the illusion of speed.

The technical effects of the present invention include providing the illusion of speed and/or directional travel for the passenger 12 without the ride vehicle 14 traveling as far as the passenger 12 perceives. The systems and methods disclosed herein can be used to reduce the footprint of amusement park ride systems , by reducing the size of the property required for the attraction systems. The disclosed technologies can be used to increase the number of amusement park ride systems of a given size, to reduce the size of the property required for an amusement park having a desired number of amusement park systems, or to reduce the cost of building and operating an amusement park.

While only some of the features of the present invention have been shown and described here, many modifications and changes may occur to those skilled in the art. Thus, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and alterations falling within the true spirit of the present invention.

Claims (64)

1. Attraction system, containing: a tunnel having a first end and a second end and curved between the first end and the second end; an amusement vehicle path extending in the tunnel from the entrance at the first end of the tunnel to an intermediate position in the tunnel, while the second end of the tunnel is not visible from the intermediate position; an amusement vehicle configured to travel along the path of the amusement vehicle and slow down as the vehicle approaches the intermediate position; a projection system configured to project moving images onto one or more walls of the tunnel; And a controller configured to control the projection system to project the moving images in synchronization with the deceleration of the amusement vehicle, and that the speed of the moving images relative to one or more walls of the tunnel be inversely correlated with the deceleration. 2. The attraction system of claim 1, wherein the projection system is configured to project moving images on the surface of the tunnel such that the moving images move across the surface at an accelerated rate as the vehicle decelerates towards the intermediate position. 3. The attraction system of claim 2, wherein the acceleration occurs at a rate approximately opposite to that of the deceleration vehicle, such that the perceived speed of the amusement vehicle is constant. 4. The attraction system of claim 2, wherein the tunnel comprises an exit at the second end of the tunnel, wherein the projection system is configured to slow moving images across the surface as the attraction vehicle accelerates from an intermediate position toward the exit of the tunnel. 5. The attraction system of claim 4, wherein the projection system is configured to slow moving images across the surface at a speed approximately opposite to the acceleration speed of the attraction vehicle such that the perceived speed of the attraction vehicle is constant. 6. The attraction system of claim 1, comprising one or more sensors configured to detect the actual speed of the amusement vehicle, the position of the amusement vehicle, the acceleration rate of the amusement vehicle, or any combination thereof. 7. Attraction system according to claim 1, containing a movable base located in an intermediate position. 8. Attraction system according to claim 1, containing an actuator configured to drive the tunnel. 9. The attraction system of claim 8, wherein the actuator is configured to actuate the second end of the tunnel to simulate a right turn, a left turn, an upslope, a downslope, or any combination thereof. 10. The attraction system of claim 1, wherein the projection system is configured to project moving images along the length of the tunnel to simulate a constant speed as the perceived speed as the actual speed of the vehicle changes. 11. The amusement system of claim 1, wherein the projection system is configured to project moving images along the length of the tunnel such that the change in speed of the moving images is inversely proportional to the change in actual speed of the moving amusement vehicle. 12. The attraction system of claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional area of the tunnel decreases conically from the first end to the second end. 13. A method for coordinating the movement of the components of an amusement park, in which: directing the amusement vehicle from the entrance at the first end of the tunnel to an intermediate position within the tunnel, the intermediate position being between the first end of the tunnel and the second end of the tunnel, the tunnel being bent so that the second end of the tunnel is not visible from the intermediate position; slowing down the amusement vehicle as it approaches the intermediate position; And projecting images onto one or more walls of the tunnel using a projector, wherein the images are synchronized with deceleration of the amusement vehicle by the projector controller such that the perceived speed of the amusement vehicle from the point of view of the amusement vehicle exceeds the actual speed of the amusement vehicle. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the images are accelerated at a rate approximately opposite to the deceleration rate of the amusement vehicle such that the perceived speed of the amusement vehicle is constant. 15. The method according to claim 13, in which: accelerating the amusement vehicle from the intermediate position to the second end of the tunnel; And projecting images onto one or more walls of the tunnel, wherein the images are synchronized with the acceleration of the amusement vehicle such that the perceived speed of the amusement vehicle exceeds the actual speed of the amusement vehicle. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the projected images are slowed down at a rate approximately opposite to that of the amusement vehicle's acceleration such that the perceived speed of the vehicle is constant. 17. The method according to claim 13, in which the amusement vehicle is tilted or vibrated by means of a movable base located in an intermediate position. 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the second end of the tunnel is driven by an actuator to simulate a right turn, a left turn, an upslope, a downslope, or any combination thereof. 19. Control system configured to: guiding the amusement vehicle from the entrance at the first end of the tunnel to an intermediate position within the tunnel, the intermediate position being between the first end of the tunnel and the second end of the tunnel, the tunnel being curved such that the second end of the tunnel is not visible from the intermediate position; deceleration of the amusement vehicle as it approaches the intermediate position; And controlling the projection system for projecting images onto one or more walls of the tunnel, wherein the projected images are synchronized with the deceleration of the amusement vehicle so that the perceived speed of the amusement vehicle from the amusement vehicle's point of view exceeds the actual speed of the amusement vehicle. 20. The control system according to claim 19, configured to control the amusement vehicle to accelerate it from an intermediate position to an exit at the second end of the tunnel; wherein the projection system is configured to project images onto one or more walls of the tunnel, wherein the projected images are synchronized with the acceleration of the amusement vehicle such that the perceived speed of the amusement vehicle exceeds the actual speed of the amusement vehicle. 21. The control system of claim 19, configured to control the movable base located in an intermediate position, the movable base being configured to tilt or vibrate the amusement vehicle. 22. The control system of claim 19, configured to control an actuator to drive the second end of the tunnel to simulate a right turn, left turn, upslope, downslope, or any combination thereof. 23. The control system of claim 19, comprising one or more sensors configured to determine the position of the amusement vehicle, the actual speed of the amusement vehicle, the acceleration rate of the amusement vehicle, or any combination thereof. 24. Attraction system, containing: an amusement vehicle path, the amusement vehicle path portion including a bend; a carousel mechanism rotatable about a vertical axis and containing a plurality of objects mounted on the carousel mechanism, and the bend extends through at least a portion of the perimeter of the carousel; and a controller configured to control the first carousel actuator and the second amusement vehicle actuator on the track to coordinate the rotation speed of the carousel and the speed of the amusement vehicle along the bend to allow the vehicle rider to perceive a travel speed that is different from that of the amusement vehicle. 25. The attraction system according to claim 24, comprising a tunnel enclosing the carousel mechanism and a portion of the path of the attraction vehicle. 26. The attraction system of claim 25, wherein the tunnel comprises an opening defining an entrance to and exit from the tunnel. 27. The attraction system of claim 26, wherein the controller is configured to disproportionately change the speed of rotation and the speed of the attraction vehicle as the attraction vehicle passes a bend. 28. The attraction system of claim 25, comprising a projection system configured to project moving images onto one or more walls of the tunnel. 29. The attraction system of claim 24, wherein the plurality of objects is rotatable about a vertical axis and along a path that is offset by a vertical distance from the ride vehicle's path. 30. The attraction system of claim 24, wherein a plurality of objects are located around the perimeter of the carousel. 31. The attraction system of claim 24, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the second actuator to decrease the speed of the attraction vehicle based on the position of the attraction vehicle with respect to the bend. 32. The amusement system of claim 24, comprising a wind generation system configured to blow air into the amusement vehicle as the amusement vehicle passes a bend. 33. The amusement system of claim 32, wherein the controller is configured to drive the fan of the wind generation system in accordance with the speed of rotation of the carousel and the speed of the amusement vehicle. 34. Attraction system, containing: an amusement vehicle configured to travel along the path of the amusement vehicle; a treadmill system comprising a plurality of mounted members, the treadmill system being configured to move the plurality of mounted members along a treadmill path, the treadmill path being aligned with and offset by a vertical distance from the amusement vehicle path; And a tunnel comprising a first end capable of receiving an amusement vehicle using the path of the amusement vehicle, and a second end forming an exit from the tunnel using the path of the amusement vehicle, wherein the tunnel is located approximately in the section of the path of the amusement vehicle and the section of the path of the treadmill tracks. 35. The attraction system of claim 34, comprising a controller configured to control the first actuator of the treadmill system and the second drive mechanism of the amusement vehicle to coordinate the speed of the plurality of mounted portions along the path of the treadmill and the speed of the amusement vehicle as the amusement vehicle travels along tunnel. 36. The attraction system of claim 34, wherein the plurality of installed elements are fixed relative to the treadmill system. 37. The attraction system of claim 34, wherein the treadmill system is configured to move the plurality of installed members between the first end and the second end along the path of the treadmill in a first direction opposite to the second direction in which the amusement vehicle travels between the first end and the second end. 38. The amusement system of claim 34, wherein rotation of the plurality of mounted members along the path of the treadmill creates the illusion that the amusement vehicle is traveling at a speed greater than the actual speed of the amusement vehicle between the first end and the second end of the tunnel. 39. The attraction system of claim 34, wherein movement of the plurality of mounted members along the path of the treadmill causes the plurality of mounted members to move past, over, or around the amusement vehicle as the amusement vehicle travels through the tunnel. 40. The amusement system of claim 34, comprising a wind generation system configured to blow air onto the amusement vehicle as the amusement vehicle travels through the tunnel. 41. The attraction system of claim 34, comprising a projection system configured to project moving images onto one or more walls of the tunnel. 42. A method for coordinating the movement of the components of an amusement park, in which: controlling, by means of the control circuit, the movement of the amusement vehicle along the path of the amusement vehicle, wherein the portion of the path of the amusement vehicle is surrounded by a tunnel having an extension between the first end and the second end of the tunnel; slowing down, by means of the control circuit, the amusement vehicle when the amusement vehicle enters the tunnel through the first end of the tunnel while the amusement vehicle is traveling along the path of the amusement vehicle in the first direction; by means of the control circuit, the treadmill of the treadmill system is rotated along the path of the treadmill when the amusement vehicle enters the first end of the tunnel, the treadmill carries a plurality of installed elements, and the treadmill system is configured to rotate the plurality of installed elements along the path of the treadmill during a second direction opposite to the first direction, between the first end and the second end. 43. The method of claim 42, wherein rotation of the treadmill causes the plurality of installed members to move along the path of the treadmill and pass by, over, or around the amusement vehicle as the amusement vehicle travels through the tunnel.

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